New Uber Survey: Riders and Drivers Support Data-Driven High-frequency Quota Review Mechanism and Experience-Based Permit Allocation

• 89% of riders call permit cap highly insufficient
• 83% of drivers and 83% of riders support prioritizing experienced ride-hailing drivers instead of lottery or car ownership tenure criteria 

Uber today released findings from its rider and driver opinion surveys conducted in May 2026. 

Based on the survey results, Uber encourages the Government to consider more balanced quota arrangements, establish a clear and predictable review mechanism, and adopt allocation principles that prioritize existing active, experienced drivers with strong records — supporting a practical, responsive framework that serves and sustains Hong Kong's growing transportation needs.

Over 89% of Riders Say the 10,000-Permit Cap Falls Short, Demanding a Data-Driven Review Mechanism

The rider survey, which drew 10,009 respondents in six days, found that 89% considered the 10,000-permit cap "very insufficient".

With the annual active driver pool currently exceeding 30,000, capping permits at 10,000 would represent a reduction of more than two-thirds. Riders also expressed clear concern about the cap’s impact on booking convenience, waiting times, and fare levels. 86% of respondents expected greater difficulty in hailing rides during peak hours or rainy days, 83% anticipated rising fares, and 80% foresaw significantly longer waiting times. Respondents were equally united on the path forward, where riders expressed the need of  a more responsive approach to the permit cap. 93% of riders supported the government proactively reviewing and adjusting the cap based on platform data before August 2027 implementation; 90% called for a clear, transparent, frequent, and data-based review mechanism using indicators such as average riders wait times and booking success rates.

Uber is also supportive of the Government's initial proposal to consider key indicators that can measure riders’ ride experience for the reviews. To ensure this mechanism is effective and responsive, Uber believes it is of paramount importance that specific, objective thresholds are set for all these indicators. 

Riders and Drivers Align: 83% of Drivers, 83% of Riders Reject Lottery System and Car Ownership Criteria for Permit Allocation 

The driver survey of 4,569 respondents revealed that 74% were "extremely concerned" about the 10,000-quota arrangement, believing the low quota would make obtaining permits difficult and directly threaten their livelihoods; another 18.5% were "very concerned," worried that demand would far exceed supply.

For many drivers, ride-hailing is not a side job but their main source of income. 41% of surveyed drivers indicated that 81% to 100% of their personal or household income comes from providing ride-hailing services. Under the proposed permit regime, 76% anticipated immediate financial difficulties, and 23% might retire or face temporary unemployment. Reflecting the high stakes involved, 75% said the Government should provide clearer certainty around permit allocation before expecting drivers to invest in a qualifying vehicle.

Both riders and drivers converged on how permits should be allocated. Among drivers, 83% viewed a lottery-based allocation ineffective as it relies on luck rather than actual market contribution. Drivers most supported prioritization based on historical safety and service ratings, income dependency on ride-hailing, and overall driving activity — precisely the metrics that best reflect a driver's commitment and reliability. 

Riders echoed this, where 83% of riders believed prioritizing existing, active drivers with strong safety and service records is more reasonable than relying on a lottery or car-ownership tenure  criteria; 86% agreed this would deliver more stable, reliable, and higher-quality ride-hail experiences for riders. Only 7% of riders viewed random lottery or car ownership tenure criteria as a reasonable approach. 

Mandating Commercial Insurance to Be Purchased by Drivers Could Further Constrain Supply

The driver survey found that if drivers were required to buy third-party commercial insurance costing around HK$10,000 to HK$30,000 per year, 70% of drivers said the cost would be prohibitive and would force them out of the industry. In contrast, 84% strongly supported platforms continuing to provide usage-based blanket insurance that can still cover every ride-hail trip, noting it is far more practical for drivers working part-time or on flexible schedules.

Uber noted that layering high insurance costs on top of permit uncertainty could further erode the driver base, ultimately limiting the supply of vehicles available to riders and compounding the service reliability concerns already raised by respondents.

Uber Calls for a Ride-Hailing Quota Framework That Reflects Real Market Demand

Nicole Lee, Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs of Uber Hong Kong said, "The survey results reflect riders' and drivers’ honest feedback to the Government’s proposed ride-hailing regulations.  Nearly 90% of riders consider the 10,000-permit cap highly insufficient, over 80% of riders and drivers urged the Government to prioritize experienced, active drivers over random lottery or car ownership tenure criteria for permit allocation. We have also observed deep concerns over driver-purchase commercial insurance as 70% say the proposed insurance costs would push them off ride-hailing. We encourage the Government to adopt more balanced quota arrangements, codify an effective data-based review mechanism on a quarterly basis, and prioritize  active drivers with strong records — building a framework grounded and reflecting the standards of a world-class city.”